Sunday, March 29, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 29, 2015) -- I was contacted this weekend by veteran Oklahoma teacher Teresa Turner about my post Friday, "School district coercing teacher attendance at political rally alleged." Turner identified herself as the teacher responsible for questioning the coercive actions of her school district that led state officials to issue statements that coercing teachers to attend Monday's political rally at the state Capitol is not legal.Turner sent the following statement:"I am a public school teacher in my 23rd year of teaching. Our superintendent had informed me that “The board of education made it clear that certified staff would attend the rally or take leave.” As a conservative Christian, I have a strong value system of right and wrong, and I felt that being coerced to attend the Education Rally on March 30th was neither right nor legal. "I strongly believe everyone has a right to their own opinion; however, I felt it was a violation of my First Amendment rights to be required to attend a rally that represents views that do not align with my personal beliefs or take a day of personal leave. As a result, I simply did what the administration and board of education wanted teachers to do – I contacted several legislators and expressed my concerns about the current state of education."Senator Kyle Loveless asked Attorney General Scott Pruitt for an opinion on the matter, which resulted in the State Department of Education releasing their press release Friday afternoon. I greatly appreciate his help, along with that of AG Pruitt, Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, Senator John Ford, and Representatives Jason Murphy, John Bennett, Josh Cockroft, and many others too numerous to mention in this short statement. I also thank my husband, Russell, for his inspiration and unending support."I feel sure that superintendents and schools across Oklahoma will realize that this was merely a legal question, and will not retaliate against any teacher who might hold a view that differs from theirs."

Friday, March 27, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2015) — The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) took swift action today in response to a report that a single school district had incorrectly notified teachers they would receive professional development credit for attending an education rally at the State Capitol.State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said OSDE officials contacted the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration, the Oklahoma State School Boards Association and the school district in question to make it clear that no teacher can be coerced to attend the March 30 rally.“As soon as we were alerted, we contacted all appropriate parties, including the school district in question, to state plainly that attendance at the rally in no way counts as professional development,” the superintendent said. “No entity should — or is lawfully able to — pressure attendance at the education rally. It is longstanding practice that attendance at such events are strictly voluntary.”In a March 27 letter to Hofmeister, state Attorney General Scott Pruitt wrote that his office had received inquiries about a district inaccurately telling teachers that their participation in the rally was mandated professional development.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that Natalie Shirley, president of Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC), will be joining her Cabinet as secretary of education and workforce development. Shirley will begin serving on Monday, January 26.

Shirley became president of OSU-OKC in 2011. She is the first female president in the OSU system.

Prior to her role at OSU-OKC, Shirley served as Oklahoma secretary of commerce and tourism for former Governor Brad Henry. She also served as the executive director of the Department of Commerce, the state’s leading economic development agency. Shirley has also served as president of ICI Mutual, an insurance company.

Fallin called Shirley a perfect fit for helping to achieve a goal outlined in the governor’s inaugural address: increasing educational attainment.

“One of my top priorities going into 2015 is to increase educational attainment in Oklahoma,” said Fallin. “We know that the best way to help Oklahomans – especially those living in poverty – is to get them the skills they need for a good job. Similarly, the best way we can support our businesses and grow our economy is to produce a more educated workforce. Making that goal a reality will take a cooperative effort between Oklahoma public education and our business community.

“I’ve asked Natalie to help oversee and energize that public/private partnership and work to ensure we are increasing educational attainment in Oklahoma. I believe she has the experience and the skill-set we need for that important task. Natalie has been a successful president at OSU-OKC; she has been a leader in both the public and private sector; she is respected by members of both political parties; and she has experience working with and managing large government agencies. Most importantly, she is absolutely committed to ensuring that Oklahoma provides the best education possible to our students.”

Shirley currently serves on the board of directors for the United Way of Central Oklahoma, SSM Health Care of Oklahoma, the Girl Scouts, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, BancFirst, the Oklahoma State Fair Board, AAA Oklahoma/South Dakota, as a trustee on the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum and on the community development advisory council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

"I am honored Governor Fallin has asked me to join her Cabinet,” said Shirley. “As an educator and business person, I know that a great foundational education, learning a skill and earning a degree can produce lifelong benefits. This is turn will make Oklahoma a stronger and better place to live and work.”

Shirley received a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – According to the Pew Charitable Trust, some critics of the years-long federal Food and Drug Administration drug approval process, with its requirement for multiple clinical trials, contend that it is much longer than it should be, thereby keeping some promising drugs from those who might benefit.

Withholding drugs from the most gravely ill has fueled several states to pass so-called “right-to-try” legislation that would make these drugs available, without FDA approval, to terminally ill patients with no other option.“The Goldwater Institute, a conservative non-profit that defends states’ rights, created model legislation in Colorado, and I have used that model to draft my legislation,” House Bill 1074, said state Rep. Richard Morrissette (D-Oklahoma City).“I am especially concerned for our children diagnosed with terminal illness, who for want of a drug may be stuck in some trial for a decade, when a second chance at life might be possible,” the Oklahoma City Democrat said. “This is a pro-life issue and it seems we have all waited long enough for the process of clinical trials to improve without any relief. It is the system that’s terminal.”Legislation in four states has now passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support. All of the existing laws and the Morrissette proposal leave the decision to try an unapproved medication to the patient, the doctor and the drug company.In all participating states, the laws are supposed to open up access to drugs that passed through just the first stage of clinical trials and are part of ongoing trials. It has yet to be determined if ‘right-to-try’ legislation will withstand a legal challenge from the federal government.

“We are fortunate to have a talented, diverse and hard-working body of men and women in the House of Representatives,” said Hickman, R-Fairview. “We have been very diligent in selecting members to serve in leadership roles to work with all members of the House to help ensure a successful legislative session for our state.”

The assistant majority leaders will work closely with Majority Leader Charles Ortega, who will be responsible for assigning bills to committees and determining the list of bills approved by committees, which will be available for consideration by the full House. They will also work with Floor Leaders Jason Nelson (R-Oklahoma City) and Lisa Billy (R-Lindsay) to develop the schedule for hearing bills on the House floor and directing floor activity during daily legislative sessions.

“I am excited to get to work with this team of lawmakers as we direct the activity of the House floor,” said Ortega, R-Altus. “These legislative leaders are deliberative and fair, and they take their duties very seriously, as our constituents expect us to. Working with our members, I am confident the people’s business will be conducted in an efficient and orderly manner.”

The assistant majority whips will work with Majority Whip Gary Banz, who will be responsible for assisting the floor leaders and for ensuring that votes are in place and members are in attendance. The whips also serve as a communication system for the members.

“Moving our legislative agenda through the House and keeping a large caucus focused is a process based on relationships, trust and experience,” said Banz, R-Midwest City. “These assistant majority whips are highly respected men and women in the House of Representatives, and I believe they are a good team to help the House be successful.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 8, 2015) - Today the Oklahoma Federation for Children, a state affiliate of the American Federation for Children, the nation’s voice for educational choice, is pleased to announce that former Democratic Oklahoma State Senator Jabar Shumate is joining the staff as Director of Legislative Affairs and State Director for Oklahoma. Shumate resigned from the Oklahoma Senate at the beginning of the year to take on promoting school choice policies in the state full-time.“We are thrilled to have such a dedicated ally and experienced legislator join our Oklahoma team,” said Bob Sullivan, co-chair of the Oklahoma Federation for Children. “Jabar is committed to extending educational options and choice to every child in Oklahoma, and we are excited that he is joining our efforts to give every child regardless of their background the opportunity to learn in a high-quality setting.”“Jabar has been a champion for school choice throughout his time in office and we are excited to have him continue to work with us as a member of our staff,” said Russell Perry, co-chair of the Oklahoma Federation for Children. “His hard work and dedication to providing students the opportunity to go to the school that best suits their needs is inspiring and he will be a great addition to the team.”Since 2012, Shumate served as a Democratic Senator for Oklahoma’s 11th Senate District. He has been an advocate and champion for educational choice throughout his term, and has authored and introduced numerous education bills to the Oklahoma State Senate. Shumate’s legislative experience and keen political insight will be tremendous asset in Oklahoma and throughout the country. Featured at several national conferences, Shuamte is a sought-after speaker in the ed reform community who has addressed legislative leaders throughout the country about the need to break down barriers to educational choice.The Oklahoma Federation for Children is chaired by Bob Sullivan of Tulsa and Russell Perry of Oklahoma City. The OK Federation for Children works to increase the array and quality of K-12 educational options available to Oklahoma’s children. The Oklahoma Federation for Children is a state-based project of the American Federation for Children, the nation’s voice for educational choice.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Oklahoma House of Representatives convened for Organizational Day and opened the First Session of the 55th Legislature by formally re-electing Rep. Jeffrey W. Hickman for a second term as speaker of the House.

“The challenges before us are great,” said Hickman, R-Fairview. “The democratic process will get noisy. There will be agreement about where we want our state to go, but disagreement about how we get there. It won’t be easy, but our founding fathers didn’t intend for it to be. Through all of this, I pledge to you as your Speaker, to serve with respect for each elected member of the People’s House, to be firm but fair, to ensure the majority can conduct the people’s business but that the rights of the minority are protected, realizing that majority and minority on many issues before us will not be divided by political party.”

Hickman is the 43rd House member to serve as speaker since Oklahoma was granted statehood in 1907 and the seventh Republican speaker in state history.

The House also took a full vote and elected Rep. Lee Denney to serve as speaker pro tempore. Denney is a veterinarian and has served as chair of the Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee for the past six years. She is the second woman in Oklahoma history to hold this office, both of which have been Republican.

“Oklahoma is blessed to have skilled legislators with overwhelming intelligence and talent, and for them to choose me to serve in this capacity is a great honor,” said Denney, R-Cushing. “I look forward to working with House Speaker Hickman, returning members and our new freshman class of legislators this upcoming session.”

The House will reconvene on February 2nd at noon to continue the First Session of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Speaker Jeffrey W. Hickman announced House committee appointments for the 55th Legislature today.

“The House is fortunate to have members from a variety of backgrounds and expertise,” said Hickman, R-Fairview. “Through hard work and their desire to create a better Oklahoma, I am confident that our members will take the lead on policy and ensure Oklahoma remains one of the fastest growing economies in our country.”

Monday, January 5, 2015

Sen. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa, announced his resignation from the Oklahoma Senate last week. His resignation was effective today. In making the announcement Shumate issued the following statement:

“Most of my professional career has been dedicated to serving the people of north Tulsa in the Oklahoma Legislature. It’s been an honor to represent the citizens of Senate District 11, and before that, the constituents of House District 73.

“However, I was recently encouraged to pursue other opportunities that will allow me to continue to work to improve education and champion other issues I am passionate about.

“I am proud to have served in the Oklahoma Legislature, and it has been a privilege to work with my fellow members. I want to express my thanks to our staff for their dedication and professionalism, and my gratitude to the citizens of Tulsa for allowing me to represent them.”

Gov. Mary Fallin today set the key dates for filling the vacant Senate seat. The candidate filing period for the Special Election to fill the Senate District 11 seat is January 19, 20 and 21. The Special Primary Election is set for April 7 and the Special General Election is set for June 9. In the event a Special Primary Election is not necessary the Special General Election will be held on April 7.

Friday, December 12, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, House Speaker Jeffrey W. Hickman announced the chairs and vice chairs for the standing House committees and appropriation subcommittees of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature.

“I am truly grateful for our members who are willing to serve in leadership roles for our committees,” said Hickman, R-Fairview. “We are blessed with very talented members in the House, and I am confident those I have asked to serve as chairs and vice chairs will use their varied experiences in the private sector to help move Oklahoma forward.”

Monday, December 8, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY – Most of the 22 new lawmakers recently elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives attended the first day of a two-day orientation session at the state Capitol on Monday to learn the ins and outs of the legislative process and meet the House staff.

Freshman lawmakers were instructed on how to use the electronic filing system to file a bill and how to present a bill in committee and on the House floor. The House parliamentarian instructed lawmakers on how to make a motion and covered some of the most common procedural issues that arise. The lawmakers also met House staff and learned what each division’s duties are in the legislative process. Tomorrow, the new members will learn how the state budget is put together and will hear from representatives within the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to discuss relevant ethics rules.

State Rep. Jeff Coody has a better understanding than most on what to expect. His mother, state Rep. Ann Coody, represents House District 64 at the Legislature. Still, he said the orientation exposed him to things that don’t often come up in conversations with his mother.

“There really is a lot to learn in order to be an effective representative for my constituents,” said Coody, R-Lawton. “It’s much more than just having a good idea for a bill and presenting it for a vote. There is a lot of procedural maneuvering and understanding of the rules that may be the difference between getting a bill passed or not, so I’m grateful that the House offers this to us so we can hit the ground running in February.”

Coody, an insurance agent from Lawton, was elected to House District 63 to replace former state Rep. Don Armes, who was term limited and unable to run for legislative office again.

Oklahoma City college professor and businessman Jason Dunnington said the day-long orientation was helpful for new lawmakers who often have a very limited understanding of how the process of legislating actually works.

“I think most of us have a very good idea of what takes place here at the Capitol, but there are so many long-standing rules and procedures for actually getting things done here that you have to get a head start,” said Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City. “It would be very difficult to show up on the first day of session without having first been exposed to some of these processes. Also, it was very helpful to meet the staff and get an idea of who to go to when I need assistance with something.”

Dunnington was elected to House District 88 and replaces former state Rep. Kay Floyd, who ran for and won a seat in the state Senate.

Representatives Coody and Dunnington, and their new colleagues, still have much to do before the 2015 legislative session begins. The deadline for requesting bills is this Friday, December 12, and the deadline for filing bills is January 22, 2015.

On Tuesday, January 6, the Legislature will meet for Organization Day, a Constitutionally required day for the Oklahoma House to meet, certify the members of the recently elected 55th Oklahoma Legislature and then officially nominate and vote on a new House Speaker and Speaker Pro-Tem for the upcoming legislative session that begins in February.

Hickman named state Rep. Charles Ortega to serve as majority floor leader. Hickman said that Ortega brings a unique combination of organizational experience and temperament to an important job that helps steer the House agenda.

“Every year, there are more than 2,000 bills and resolutions in the Legislature which must be considered,” said Hickman, R-Fairview. “It is absolutely vital that we operate not only efficiently, but also in a deliberative, thoughtful way which reflects the seriousness of what our constituents send us here to accomplish. I am confident that Rep. Ortega is the right person for this job.

Ortega, who served as assistant majority floor leader during the 2014 legislative session, will be responsible for reviewing legislation and overseeing the process to determine which bills will be heard on the House floor.

“It truly is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as majority floor leader,” said Ortega, R-Altus. “This is a big job and it won’t be easy, but I didn’t come here to sit on the sidelines. I welcome the challenge, and I have a vision for how the job can be done in an effective way. Our biggest challenge as a large majority is to stay focused and unified so we can accomplish pro-economic growth, conservative goals.”

In addition, Hickman named state Reps. Jason Nelson and Lisa Billy, two highly respected members throughout the House, to serve as floor leaders. Nelson and Billy will be responsible for developing the calendar and directing floor activity, including the scheduling of bills and resolutions for votes on the floor.

“I have had a lot of wonderful experiences during my time in the House, but I really am honored to be asked by Speaker Hickman to serve in this particular role,” said Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “This is an opportunity to serve the members by ensuring a fair and efficient process for doing our work on the floor on the House of Representatives, and I am looking forward to that.”

“I am very grateful that Speaker Hickman asked me to serve in this role,” said Billy, R-Lindsay. “Debating bills and casting votes gets all the attention, but the process behind the scenes is where the rubber meets the road. I really believe the house has a great opportunity to advance a conservative, Oklahoma-values agenda, and I am glad that I get to be a part of it.”

Finally, Hickman appointed state Rep. Gary Banz to serve as majority whip, responsible for assisting the floor leaders and for ensuring that votes are in place and members are in attendance. The whip also serves as a sounding board for members who may have concerns on upcoming legislation.

“The real benefit of this role is that I get to interact with my colleagues on a daily basis,” said Banz, R-Midwest City. “One of the great aspects of being at the Capitol is the relationships you build with people from all across this state, many of whom you may have very little in common with other than the shared commitment to making our state better. Personally, I am very excited about the upcoming session.”

Monday, November 24, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Education announced it was restoring Oklahoma’s waiver to the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) education law for the remainder of this school year. Reinstating the waiver ensures that Oklahoma schools will retain control of up to $30 million in federal funds.

“The Oklahoma State Department of Education and Oklahoma schools should be afforded the maximum amount of flexibility when using federal dollars. Restoring Oklahoma's NCLB waiver is the correct decision and will help us get more money in the classroom."

“As we said when we passed House Bill 3399 last session, if the Obama administration’s immediate reaction was to take Oklahoma’s waiver from No Child Left Behind, our bill included a safety net. It required a review of our state’s current PASS standards by higher education and CareerTech to determine if they were indeed college and career ready. Once that review was complete, not only were our standards certified as college and career ready but our CareerTech and higher education leaders offered numerous suggestions on ways to strengthen our existing standards.

“Utilizing the academic expertise we have at colleges and universities across our state as well as leaders in best CareerTech system in America to improve education in our state is something which should have been done long ago. I am excited we now have all tiers of education in Oklahoma engaged in improving the educational opportunities for students in our state.

“The action by the U.S. Department of Education to reinstate the NCLB waiver restores the flexibility given to Oklahoma school districts over the expenditure of Title I funds. While some have tried to politicize this issue, since removing Common Core testing from state law, this process has played out as we thought it would which again validates that the action we took in Oklahoma under HB 3399 was about policy that is best for our next generation of Oklahomans. Despite the relief and flexibility this decision provides, I again strongly encourage the State Board of Education to continue moving forward in earnest in the creation of our new rigorous and superior education standards. This is a tall task for our state to undertake and we must not waste a single day working toward development of the standards which will guide the success of our students in classrooms across our state. If we know we can offer a better education to Oklahoma’s next generation, each year that passes under an inferior system cheats our most precious resource, our children, out of a brighter and more prosperous future.”​

OKLAHOMA CITY - State Rep. Jason Nelson released the following statement today after the federal government reinstated the state’s No Child Left Behind waiver:“The U.S. Department of Education had only one choice – restore Oklahoma's NCLB flexibility waiver. With certification by the State Regents for Higher Education in mid-October that the PASS standards are college- and career-ready, the department had to reverse course.“The truth is, the waiver should have been restored prior to the mid-term elections. The waiver process is unnecessarily political, as were the erroneous claims made by groups like the OEA and Stand for Children. I'm pleased that we've not governed based on political sound bites from education special interest groups that are busy spreading misinformation and fear. That clearly would have been the wrong course in this instance, and I don't believe it has served the children of Oklahoma well before now. What has happened since House Bill 3399 was signed into law in June stands in stark contrast to all the claims made by those groups. As I have stated from the start, federal education funding in Oklahoma has NOT been at risk.“Sound leadership in the Legislature has resulted in a comprehensive review and certification of our PASS Standards and a new, permanent process to create new standards that includes the three legs of our state's education stool: common education, career technology education and higher education. This should have been done decades ago.“There is still a lot of work to do and I encourage all Oklahomans with expertise and interest to be actively involved.”See also:

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 24) — The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) announced today it is reinstating Oklahoma’s No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Flexibility Waiver for the 2014-15 school year. Although the waiver had been pulled after state lawmakers repealed Common Core academic standards deemed college- and career-ready, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan reconsidered that earlier decision after Oklahoma higher education officials determined the state’s existing academic standards were sufficient.“On behalf of Oklahoma educators, parents, students, lawmakers and all Oklahomans invested in better schools, we are grateful for this decision to reinstate the state’s flexibility waiver,” said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi.“The ramifications of losing the waiver would have been significant and with potentially disastrous consequences. Instead, Oklahoma now has an opportunity to build upon the innovations and successful reforms of recent years.”On Aug. 28, the USDE told the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) that Oklahoma was losing the waiver that provides the state and school districts with relief from 13 federal regulations and flexibility in spending Title I funds. Federal officials indicated they were impressed by how many Oklahoma schools had improved under the waiver, but an obstacle remained. The USDE requires all states applying for waivers to use English language arts and mathematics standards aligned with college- and career-ready guidelines, and the Common Core repeal made that problematic.Federal officials indicated at that time that the state could reapply for a waiver to take effect in the 2015-16 school year.OSDE requested immediate reinstatement of the waiver, however, after the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education concluded Oct. 16 that existing Priority Academic Student Skills, or PASS, standards for English and math are college- and career-ready.In addition to that development, OSDE pointed to significant progress made under its school improvement program, with 51 out of 175 Priority schools improving their letter grade this school year, and more than 100 Targeted Intervention schools raising their grade. Priority and Targeted Intervention schools are schools that need the most intensive help in raising student achievement.In a letter today, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah Delisle praised Oklahoma for education reforms made in an effort to strengthen rigor and improve academic performance.“I am confident that Oklahoma will continue to implement the reforms described in its approved ESEA flexibility request and advance its efforts to hold schools and school districts accountable for the achievement of all students,” she wrote.As state leaders look ahead to the spring of 2015 and the likelihood of requesting another NCLB Flexibility Waiver, Supt. Barresi said it is critical that Oklahoma remains committed to reforms that will spur academic achievement.“While the USDE decision certainly allows districts and schools to breathe a little easier, this reinstatement cannot be misinterpreted as a concession to low expectations,” she said. “Oklahoma should forge ahead with creating stronger academic standards and shoring up a system of true accountability.”

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Friends, family and supporters looked on as newly elected and reelected members of the Oklahoma State Senate took the oath of office on Tuesday in the Senate chamber. Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, President of the Senate, presided over the ceremony. The oath was administered by the Honorable John Reif, Chief Justice-Elect of the Supreme Court.

Returning members were able to file legislation for the 2015 session beginning November 17, while new members can begin filing bills on November 19. The deadline for requesting bills is December 12. January 22 is the deadline for introducing legislation to be heard in the 2015 session.

The full Senate will officially convene for an organizational day on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, and the First Session of the 55th Legislature reconvenes on Monday, February 2.

The Senate website has streaming video from all committee rooms and the chamber. Legislation, the Senate Journal, biographical information on members, high resolution photos, committee and floor agendas, votes and press releases can also be accessed at www.oksenate.gov.

Sen. Brian Bingman named President Pro Tempore-Nominee for the 55th Oklahoma Legislature

Following the swearing-in of new and returning Senators on Tuesday, Senate Republicans met in caucus to elect their leadership team for the 55th Oklahoma Legislature. Without opposition, Sen. Brian Bingman was reelected as President Pro Tempore-Nominee of the Senate. Bingman also announced that Sen. Mike Schulz will continue to serve as Majority Floor Leader for the 55th Legislature. Majority Caucus Chair Bryce Marlatt and Majority Caucus Vice Chair A.J. Griffin were also elected without opposition.

In addition, the Senate Republican Caucus elected assistant majority floor leaders and majority whips on Tuesday.

“I’m grateful to our caucus for once again entrusting me with this responsibility, and I look forward to working together as we advance the state of Oklahoma,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “The eight new members of our caucus bring a diverse array of experience and a dedication to serve the people of their districts. We will continue working to ensure Oklahoma remains a leader in economic development and job growth for years to come.”

Senate Republicans also elected the following members to leadership posts Tuesday:

OKLAHOMA CITY – The 101 members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives took their oath of office today including 22 new members who will be serving in the 55th Oklahoma Legislature.

“This is an exciting day at the Capitol,” said House Speaker Jeffrey W. Hickman, R-Fairview. “As the branch of state government closest to the people, these House members have been visiting with Oklahomans across the state and are prepared to share the ideas and concerns of our friends and neighbors as we begin to address the issues we face this upcoming session.”

Oklahoma Chief Justice-elect John Reif performed the ceremony. The House currently consists of 72 Republican and 29 Democratic legislators, the same as the previous Legislature.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives will convene on January 6 for Organizational Day and will formally elect House leadership. The bill filing deadline for the 2015 Session will be January 22 at 4 p.m., and regular session will reconvene on February 2.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

I want to say thank you to so many friends for supporting my re-election campaign. I especially want to thank my family, all of whom have made a tremendous sacrifice to allow me to campaign and serve. This was a very competitive, hard-fought race and my opponent was the toughest I have faced yet. He matched us in fundraising and I know he knocked on many, many doors. But his team could not compete with our volunteers. It has been said that one should never underestimate the heart of a volunteer and I have never felt this to be more true than now.

As many of you may know, three weeks ago, our 8 year-old daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with advanced stage kidney cancer. We have been tremendously blessed by the outpouring of support so many of our friends, neighbors, and church family have offered during this time. Countless numbers of you swung into action to help our family on the campaign and in many personal ways. My wife Lori and I thank you for each call you made, letter or note you wrote, and each door you knocked to help us win. Simply put, we could not have won without your efforts. Most importantly, as we help Grace fight this fight, we ask for your continued prayers and are forever grateful for your kind actions.

Many tried to make this race a referendum on education and the many reforms I have been proud to support in recent years, like the Lindsey Nicole Henry scholarship program for children with special needs. I think they were right. This victory proves that putting people over partisan politics works. It’s not about protecting an elite class or the education establishment – it’s about doing the right thing for individual families, like that of Diane Brumley, who went above and beyond to tell her story of how the LNH scholarship changed her family’s life. While special interests and dark money groups rallied to defeat those of us who believe parents always know what’s best for their child’s education, you, the people of House District 87 rallied to defeat those special interests and I am grateful for the continued trust you have placed in me.

I first ran for office because I believed I could help make a difference by helping to build an Oklahoma that our children and grandchildren would be proud to call home. This mission has taken on renewed meaning for me. May God bless our great country and our great state.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 16, 2014) – The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association (ODAA) and Verizon announce the second “District Attorneys Against Domestic Violence” (DA’s Against DV) collaboration. Together, their efforts will help raise awareness of domestic violence in communities across the state.

The ODAA seeks to foster and maintain the honor and integrity of the prosecuting attorneys, and improve and facilitate the administration of justice in the State of Oklahoma. The 27 elected district attorneys are responsible for prosecuting all crimes in their respective districts and as a result, the district attorneys see first-hand the affects of domestic violence and sexual assault on their communities and are together dedicated to strengthening the state’s response to this devastating crime.

“Approximately one in four women are victims of domestic violence,” said Chris Ross, president of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association. “A growing problem within our communities, we are determined to help the victims of domestic violence learn about the ways of getting help. Oklahoma is ranked third in the nation for the number of females murdered by men in single victim/single offender incidents. By combining the support of all the district attorneys of Oklahoma, we hope to further provide opportunities to raise awareness throughout all 77 counties in Oklahoma.”

The awareness campaign will involve HopeLine phone drives in district attorneys’ offices across the state. HopeLine is a program by Verizon that takes donations of no-longer-used cell phones and cell phone accessories and turns them into a “hope” line for survivors of domestic violence. The donated phones are refurbished, loaded with free wireless minutes, and given to domestic violence shelters and other support organizations as tools to help provide victims with a private and reliable phone for contacting family, counselors or prospective employers as they work to rebuild their lives.

In addition, each district attorney will have the opportunity to host a free screening of the documentary Telling Amy’s Story. The documentary is the true story of a young mother who died at the hands of her husband as she was trying to leave their abusive relationship. It is a powerful testimony of how quickly, and subtly, a troubled relationship can turn deadly.

“United with the same goal, we hope our joint effort with the district attorneys in Oklahoma will make a difference for victims of domestic violence in Oklahoma,” said Kristi Crum, president of Verizon Oklahoma. “We appreciate the work the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association has done and we know they have great influence in their local communities. Together we can make a difference.”

To learn more about HopeLine or Telling Amy’s Story, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline or www.telling.psu.edu.

Media Opportunity: The ODAA will host a press conference to kick off the 2014 DAs Against DV collaboration with Verizon Oklahoma. The press conference will take place on Sept. 18, 2014 at 1:15 p.m. in the Blue Room located at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Media is welcomed to attend. Representatives from the DA’s Against DV collaboration will be available for interviews and questions following the press conference.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin announced today that public schools, colleges and universities have received record earnings during the last four fiscal years from funds distributed by the Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO).

More than $519.9 million has been distributed to the CLO’s education beneficiaries during the 2011 through 2014 fiscal years, according to the agency. That amount is 57 percent, or $188.7 million, more than the $331.2 million distributed during the next-highest four-year period in state history (2007-2010).

“This is great news for public education,” said Fallin. “This money provides much-needed additional funds for school districts, colleges and universities. The increase in CLO dollars is one more way to supplement the $150 million increase legislators appropriated for K-12 education in the last two years. I appreciate the hard work of the land office commissioners and CLO Secretary Harry Birdwell for helping to produce these high returns.”

The CLO distributes money from oil and gas exploration and land leases on the agency's controlled property as well as dividends from investments made by the trust fund.

Public schools received most of the money, or $381.9 million of the $519.9 million, distributed the past four fiscal years by the CLO. Higher education received $137.9 million.

The money for kindergarten-through-grade-12 schools is distributed to each of the state's 517 school districts based on school attendance numbers.

The value of the CLO’s permanent trust fund since 2011 has grown by nearly $700 million, from $1.606 billion to $2.304 billion.

It took 95 years for the CLO’s permanent trust fund to reach the $1 billion threshold. It took only 11 additional years for the permanent trust fund to pass the $2 billion mark.

The CLO is assigned the task of managing, leasing and selling properties set aside decades ago to be managed for the maximum financial benefit of Oklahoma's common and higher education schools.

Friday, August 29, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt made the following statement Friday on the federal government's denial of Oklahoma's No Child Left Behind Waiver:

"I believe in academic standards. I believe that we ought to ensure our students graduate prepared for life and to attend college if they so choose. High expectations matter to our future as a state and a country. But it is wholly inappropriate and unlawful for federal bureaucrats to dictate to the states what our standards should be. However, just yesterday, President Obama's Education Secretary did what so many other federal agencies are doing under the leadership of this President -- disregard the law and make it up as they go along. The law does not allow the secretary to condition Oklahoma's waiver from No Child Left Behind on yielding the state's right to define and establish standards. It would appear in this case the Obama administration has exceeded its authority under the law and my office will continue our examination of the best manner in which the state will respond."

OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma County district court judge yesterday ruled that using publicly funded scholarships for students with special needs at a private sectarian school was unconstitutional. However, the narrowly tailored decision held that scholarships from the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program Act could be used at private secular and religiously-affiliated schools.

The ruling is a setback for the plaintiffs who were asking the judge to strike down the entire law. Instead, the judge upheld the basic program as constitutional with a “narrow” exception.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House leaders expressed disappointment today after learning the federal government will pursue a punitive course of action following Oklahoma’s repeal of Common Core State Standards earlier this year.

Oklahoma officials received a letter today from the United States Department of Education stating they will not renew Oklahoma’s No Child Left Behind waiver. This heavy handed decision comes after the passage of House Bill 3399, a measure which repealed the untested Common Core State Standards and put in place a process to develop and adopt new, superior standards with the help of Oklahoma higher-education and CareerTech systems. The U.S. Department of Education has deemed Oklahoma’s pursuit of proven college and career-ready standards to be a failure to adhere to the NCLB waiver principles.

“We knew the federal government could opt to take some actions when we passed HB3399,” said House Speaker Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview. “None-the-less, this decision is troubling because it sets back the efforts of our local schools to continue improving by imposing on them unhelpful and unnecessary regulations.”

In a letter to Oklahoma officials, Deborah Delisle, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education, explained the basis of their decision stating that “Oklahoma can no longer demonstrate that the state’s standards are college and career-ready standards.”

“I challenge the U.S. Dept. of Education to ‘demonstrate’ that Common Core is college and career ready in Oklahoma before they begin dictating how we run our state’s education system,” said Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “They can’t do it. Each state’s college remediation requirements are different and they have absolutely no idea if Common Core meets their own requirements.

“In the Obama administration’s determination to compel Oklahoma to stay with Common Core, they plan to impose onerous federal regulations on our education system that were unnecessary this morning but are now, amazingly, necessary this afternoon. It’s obvious that states like Oklahoma must not flinch in taking back control of our standards if we truly want standards that can be ‘demonstrated’ to be college and career ready. Unfortunately, this letter is the latest example of the slow death of federalism which is being replaced with flawed logic.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Scott Pruitt said Thursday he would appeal a ruling that invalidated a portion of the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship program, which allows parents of children with disabilities to obtain scholarship money from the state to fund their child’s attendance at a school of their choosing.A district court judge ruled funds from the scholarship program cannot be used to send students with disabilities to sectarian schools. The judge's order is stayed pending appeal, which means the scholarship program remains unchanged for now.“This scholarship program empowers parents of children with disabilities to obtain scholarship monies from the state to fund their child’s enrollment and attendance in a private school of their choosing,” Attorney General Pruitt said. “Prohibiting the use of Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship funds from being used to send students with disabilities to sectarian schools would require the state to discriminate against those schools. That is highly troublesome and why we will appeal the ruling.”

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Positive Tomorrows is an exclusive private school serving very special children in the Oklahoma City area. This short documentary gives you a glimpse of the school's heart-warming mission in action. Education Savings Account legislation in Oklahoma would help more students in need gain access to schools like Positive Tomorrows. Your help is needed to make this opportunity a reality for more children.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Three state legislators are working with a conservative think tank to ensure that welfare is used as the temporary safety net that it was designed to be rather than a long term crutch. Last week, Sen. Rob Standridge worked with the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) in hosting a forum on welfare reform in Oklahoma along with Rep. Jason Nelson and Rep. Tom Newell. The featured speaker was conservative political activist Star Parker who discussed her visionary ideas on empowering those trapped in the welfare system.

Parker is the founder and president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE) in Washington, D.C., which works to create a national dialogue on issues of race and poverty. Parker opposes many welfare programs believing that instead of teaching people how to take care of themselves, they create a system of government reliance and helplessness. Parker had seven years of first-hand experience in the grip of welfare dependency. Now, as a social policy consultant, she works with policy makers on how to transition America's poor from government dependency.“I am extremely encouraged and excited that, amidst all of the political noise in the nation today, Senator Standridge is focused and deliberate about helping those most vulnerable. I look forward to working closely with him and his office to help those struggling to prosper and live in peace in this great nation of ours. Under Senator Standridge’s leadership, Oklahoma could be a model to help save the country.”As Vice Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, Standridge has been a strong advocate of welfare reform authoring numerous measures to address Oklahomans’ growing reliance on government assistance.“I enjoyed hearing Star Parker’s ideas for how to help strengthen individuals and families and get them off of welfare. When it was created welfare was intended to only be temporary assistance for the disabled and elderly and it has become a crutch for all ages and that has to stop,” said Standridge, R- Norman. “Part of being fiscally responsible is ensuring that all citizens have the education and skills needed to be contributing members of our society. The strength of our economy depends on this. I’m looking forward to continuing our efforts to reform Oklahoma’s welfare system and putting some of Star’s ideas to work in legislation for the upcoming session.” The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will be conducting an interim study this fall on Oklahoma’s welfare-to-work programs and the long term impacts of House Bill 2388, which allows DHS to deny Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to applicants found using controlled substances. Nelson, who is the House Deputy Majority Floor Leader, serves as a member of both the House Appropriations and Budget Committee and Conference Committee on Health and Human Services.“Star Parker's story is inspiring and her call to action compelling. Her call to provide our most vulnerable citizens with equal opportunities in education and to partner with families who want to work their way up the economic ladder resonated with me,” said Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to expand these important opportunities. I'm grateful that Star is willing to invest her time and energy in Oklahoma and look forward to working with her.” Newell serves as the Chair of the Conference Committee on Health and Human Services as well as the Appropriations and Budget Committee on Health and Human Services. “A system once thought to help people when they’re in temporary need has become a big-government bureaucracy that has entrapped entire families for several generations now,” said Newell, R-Seminole. “Once well-meaning, America’s welfare system only serves to trap people and remove any motivation to get off the system and find gainful employment. It’s a cycle that must be broken somehow, and I believe Star Parker’s ideas on how to accomplish that could revolutionize the system. Also, it could provide true light for people who don’t want the government to take care of them, but want to be self-sufficient. It was an honor to discuss with Star what can be done to ensure the welfare system goes back to being a temporary safety net and not a catch-all way of life.”The legislators will be working together to introduce strong welfare reform measures in the 2015 legislative session. The bill request deadline will be in early December.